Managing Traffic in The Villages
Traffic management in The Villages is better than many developed areas in Florida but it needs vast improvement. This will become even more evident with increased growth. A major shortcoming so often identified on this board is the interaction of golf carts and vehicular traffic. In my opinion, this should receive a high priority. There absolutely needs to be in place a framework whereby traffic hazards and concerns can be addressed on a professional, organized basis. I am not aware that we have a Traffic Coordinating Committee that actively engages in the processes that:
Review and evaluate resident and law enforcement traffic concerns
Review and act upon accident data including problem locations, hazards such as line of sight obstructions, traffic control improvements and recommendations, and remedies that reduce causal factors
Coordinate a multi-jurisdictional effort that maximizes the safe, transparent flow of traffic between the counties and municipalities that make up The Villages
Identify areas for selective traffic enforcement campaigns
Prioritize projects and initiatives and appoint subcommittees to followup
Evaluate parking concerns and make recommendations based upon changing demographics and needs
An effective Traffic Coordinating Committee necessarily needs to be comprised of residents, law enforcement officials, the developer, business representatives, political representatives from the venues involved and maintenance coordinators. I have witnessed highly successful TCC's with a law enforcement chair to coordinate input, reviews, recommendations and to facilitate the implementation of recommendations through the private or governmental entity that has that responsibility. They should meet on at least a regular monthly or bimonthly basis. An interlocal government agreement should precipitate the formation of a TCC so that our unique multi-jurisdictional composition does not become an encumbrance.
Random thoughts before golf.
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